Natural Resources Mapping of Lunglei District using Remote Sensing and GIS

The Natural Resources Mapping of Lunglei District using Remote Sensing and GIS was undertaken by the Mizoram State Remote Sensing Centre (MSRSC), Science, Technology & Environment Wing, Planning Department, Government of Mizoram, under the Natural Resources Mapping of Mizoram programme sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong. Implemented as part of a three-year state-wide geospatial resource inventory project, the study aimed to develop a comprehensive spatial database of Lunglei District through the integration of Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information System (GIS), GPS-assisted field surveys, and conventional resource investigations. The project sought to generate standardized thematic information for sustainable management of land, water, forests, and other natural resources while providing scientific inputs for district-level planning and long-term environmental management.

The study covers the entire Lunglei District, one of the largest districts in Mizoram, extending over approximately 4,538 sq. km and accounting for nearly 21.5% of the state's geographical area. The project utilized IRS-1D LISS-III and Panchromatic satellite imagery, Survey of India topographic sheets, geological and meteorological records, soil investigations, and extensive ground verification to prepare a suite of thematic maps comprising land use/land cover, geology, geomorphology, drainage, watershed boundaries, groundwater prospects, soils, slope, aspect, settlements, and transportation networks. These datasets were integrated within a GIS environment to develop a district-level Natural Resources Information System capable of supporting multi-sectoral planning and resource evaluation.

The assessment reveals that Lunglei District is characterized by rugged structural hill ranges, steep slopes, deeply dissected valleys, and an extensive drainage network dominated by the Tlawng, Mat, Tuichawng, Tuipui, and Kolodyne river systems. Terrain conditions strongly influence land capability, agricultural suitability, and settlement patterns. Forests remain the dominant land cover, with bamboo forests constituting the largest single vegetation category, followed by medium and dense forests, reflecting the district's rich biodiversity and ecological importance. The report also identifies current and abandoned shifting cultivation (jhum) as significant components of the landscape, indicating the continued dependence of rural communities on traditional agricultural practices. At the same time, the expansion of horticultural plantations, wet rice cultivation, and permanent agriculture in suitable valleys demonstrates a gradual shift towards more sustainable land-use systems.

Groundwater assessment indicates that groundwater occurrence is largely controlled by fractured sandstone formations, valley fills, and topographic conditions, with moderate groundwater potential confined mainly to valley areas and gently sloping terrain, while the extensive hill regions generally exhibit limited groundwater prospects because of steep slopes and rapid surface runoff. Soil investigations reveal predominantly acidic hill soils with moderate organic matter content and varying fertility, emphasizing the importance of soil conservation and appropriate land capability-based planning.

A major outcome of the project is the preparation of an integrated natural resources information that combines all thematic datasets within a GIS platform for spatial analysis and decision support. Based on the integrated resource assessment, the report recommends watershed development, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, agroforestry, horticultural expansion, groundwater development, bamboo resource management, and scientific land capability planning to ensure sustainable utilization of the district's natural resources while minimizing environmental degradation.

Overall, the project demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS, and field investigations for comprehensive natural resource assessment in mountainous environments. The thematic maps, digital databases, and resource development plans generated under the study provide an invaluable reference for government departments, planners, researchers, and development agencies, supporting evidence-based planning and the sustainable management of Lunglei District's diverse natural resources.

Summarized Metadata

Mapping Scale: 1:50,000

Satellite data & Year: IRS 1D PAN & LISS III (2003 & 2004) – Digital & Photo print

Thematic sub-category: Land Use/Land Cover, Geology, Water resource, Climate, Action Plan 

Collaborating/Funding Agency: North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong

Report Publication Month/Year: March, 2007